UAE-France Cultural Dialogue second phase

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development and the Embassy of France in Abu Dhabi announced the launch of the UAE-France Cultural Dialogue second phase through the implementation of a series of initiatives demonstrating the talents of both creative communities and celebrating the strong bilateral relations between both countries.

The event took place at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the presence of Her Excellency Noura bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and His Excellency Jean-Yves Le Drian, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

During her keynote speech, Al Kaabi highlighted the deeply rooted bilateral relationship between both countries, whose foundations were laid by the founding father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. With time, ties between the UAE and France have evolved into strategic partnerships in political and economic fields on one hand and in cultural, artistic and educational fields on the other.

Her Excellency further stressed that the Cultural Dialogue signifies the UAE and France’s strong cultural ties and our desire to promote collaborations in the fields of knowledge, creativity and innovation.

Al Kaabi added “During the course of the first phase of the UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018, we have overseen the implementation of ambitious initiatives and projects demonstrating the talents of our creative youth and their willingness to use this energy to achieve innovative projects. This has led to the inevitable launch of the second phase, which will emphasize two key topics: “arts and artificial intelligence” and “protecting endangered cultural heritage”, in line with our efforts in supporting ALIPH for the protection of cultural endangered heritage around the world.”

Al Kaabi noted “Marking the year of Zayed, a pictorial book entitled “France UAE: Strategic Partnership” will be launched to showcase and document the deeply rooted relationship between France and the UAE. We will also be organizing the exhibition “Sheikh Zayed and Europe: The Journey” showcasing rare images, movies and voice recordings of Sheikh Zayed related to the cultural exchange between UAE and Europe.”

“In the UAE-France Cultural Dialogue second phase, we have expanded our scope of work to include new fields such as creativity, design, cinema, fashion, music, opera, theatre and poetry. Multiple panel discussions will be organized in UAE and France hosting key experts and officials to discuss culture, arts and history.” , added Al Kaabi.

The Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development also highlighted the Ministry’s plan to organize an Emirati Cultural Week in France in October to shed light on the cultural harmony between France and the UAE and to allow the French public to learn about the contemporary cultural and artistic landscape of the country.

Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi and His Excellency Jean-Yves Le Drian toured the “Japanese Connections: The Birth of Modern Décor” exhibition which is held on the sidelines of the event.

It is the first of four major temporary exhibitions that make up Louvre Abu Dhabi’s new 2018-2019 Season entitled A world of Exchanges, each with an expansive programme complementing the museum’s exploration of the connections, moments of exchange that exist across cultures, geographies and borders.

The exhibition focuses on a number of leading French artists who were influenced by the Japanese art décor. It offers visitors a chance to discover exquisite natural landscapes by the 2 great Japanese artists: Utagawa Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai, alongside a number of paintings and décor pieces, showcased for the first time outside France.

For more information on the exhibition or ticket bookings, please visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae or call Louvre Abu Dhabi at +971 600 56 55 66

View also

• Roads of Arabia leads to the Louvre Abu Dhabi – November 7, 2018
• Japanese Connections at the Louvre Abu Dhabi – September 4, 2018
• Louvre Abu Dhabi 2018-2019 season – September 4, 2018
• 10th session of the UAE-France Strategic Dialogue – April 18, 2018
• UAE-France Cultural Dialogue 2018 launched at the Louvre Abu Dhabi – February 10, 2018
• Emirati-French Business Summit at its peak! – September 25, 2017